https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:54:00 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1921663 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 19:30:30 +0000 Chuckles 1921663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: so your son was over age 2 when you started therapy? My son has the same problem where he mashes with his tongue and sucks on food but doesn't know how to chew. I've been asking his feeding therapist for oral motor exercises but she hasn't offered much. He's only 15 months though so it seems like she thinks he is too young to do most exercises. Was your feeding therapist an OT or speech pathologist? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1912240 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 09:04:05 +0000 ValentineMommy 1912240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Thank you! I'm very nervous. I hope whatever is causing it that we can overcome it so he can enjoy food like a normal person. I'm also afraid because it's apparently linked to being on the spectrum. :-/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1912099 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 08:18:56 +0000 looch 1912099@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: but you have a plan, that is a start! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1912049 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 07:44:46 +0000 ValentineMommy 1912049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Somehow I just saw your response! Thank you for the great info! We believe it's a sensory problem - Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. He eats less than 20 foods, and avoids certain food groups all together (meat and vegetables). He is fearful of new foods and won't touch them, let alone taste them. It's so frustrating and I feel so bad for him :( </p> <p>We got an appointment at CHOP, but the earliest appt is end of December. Sigh - it's going to be a long wait. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1884762 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 16:03:37 +0000 looch 1884762@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: We did a consultation with a nutritionist to start off with, they are part of the staff at our ped's office and she basically told me that he didn't need intervention (at age 2.5) but she would give me the name of some speech therapists. He was also growing along his curve, but the kid doesn't have an ounce of fat on him. If we put him in a pool, he sinks to the bottom, even with a flotation device. He's just thin and solid, lol.</p> <p>It took me about 4 months to call. When I finally did, hoping that he would grow out of it, I learned that he did need some intervention and he's now been in therapy for about 9 months. His basic problem is that he doesn't chew, he would mash with an up and down motion, not a circular chewing motion. So I would start there, observing what your son does with food in his mouth.</p> <p>There are basically two kinds of feeding therapy, sensory and muscular. Some therapists will do both, others will do one or the other, so it's really important that you get an evaluation...it can take a few hours/sessions and would involve eating observation.</p> <p>I am seeing improvement in speech, it's been amazing for the both of us to learn how to do the exercises that strengthen his jaw and mouth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883908 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 08:35:42 +0000 ValentineMommy 1883908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Stacy: Will do!! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883881 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 08:15:02 +0000 Canoli 1883881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: Let me know how you make out! I would be interested in where you go if you don't mind sharing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883821 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 07:48:40 +0000 ValentineMommy 1883821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catomd00: Exactly!!! If nothing else, it will put my mind at ease, knowing I did what I could!</p> <p>DS is 3 feet tall and 28 pounds FWIW. He's a tall guy, but has a thin build. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883814 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 07:39:24 +0000 catomd00 1883814@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: That's unsettling. I was actually tiny and falling off the charts and they were still unconcerned. I was probably a bit older though. Mommy knows best! The sooner you catch any issues the better. If it ends up being nothing, oh well you've done all you could. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883792 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 07:24:39 +0000 ValentineMommy 1883792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@petunia354: Thank you!!! I will definitely update :)</p> <p>@catomd00: We did....they basically blew us off. Since our insurance doesn't require referrals, we're basically just going over their heads. They told us "most toddlers are picky" and "it will get worse before it gets better" and that he will grow out of it eventually. I'm pretty sure because of his size they just aren't concerned and if he were small it would be more of a concern to them....but I'm concerned about his actual nutrition, size aside! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883768 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 07:16:24 +0000 catomd00 1883768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: have you talked with his ped? I would start there. I was an extremely picky eater as a child. My mom would make me special meals, etx and cater to my every food wish. The ped told her to stop doing that and only offer what everyone else was served. She said eventually I would eat when I was hungry enough. It didn't take long for me to figure out I wasn't getting anymore special meals. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883750 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 07:02:44 +0000 petunia354 1883750@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: You know, after I posted on here I thought to myself that although it's good to consult with your ped, they aren't the best authority on this kind of stuff. So, it doesn't surprise me that your Ped said that to you. </p> <p>Good luck with the specialist! I'd be interested to hear how it goes, if you are willing to share once you've been. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883741 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 06:50:17 +0000 ValentineMommy 1883741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@petunia354: Our pediatrician basically just told me that most toddlers are picky and he will grow out of it. I think because he is a BIG kid that they aren't as concerned as they would be if he was small. But, I still think it's super important no matter what size he is!</p> <p>@Aimed: It's so hard, isn't it??? I hate that every meal (minus breakfast) is so upsetting to him. I want him to enjoy eating, which is why I haven't "forced" things on him....but now I'm starting to feel like I have to! I just feel so lost about it. I don't want to scar the poor kid!</p> <p>@cmomma17: @hilsy85: @Danizaur: Thank you so much for your encouragement!!! I talked to DH last night and got him on board as well! :)</p> <p>@looch: I'd love some more info! Feel free to wall me (or post here!!) How is your son doing now?</p> <p>@Stacy: Yes! I was looking into CHOP, but I found a smaller place that will see me right away locally. I'm thinking of going there first while being on the waiting list at the other. CHOP takes forever! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883076 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 14:47:47 +0000 Canoli 1883076@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No you're not an alarmist. My son will be 3 next month and I go back and forth with pursuing an intervention as well. My kid won't try pasta either or anything for that matter. </p> <p>You live in S Jersey right? I know someone that went to the CHOP feeding clinic and had success. She was on a wait list and it is a 4-6 week daily commitment and very behavioral focused but she found it helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883024 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 14:26:29 +0000 looch 1883024@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>duplicate post. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883022 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 14:25:58 +0000 looch 1883022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I thought it was a phase with my son as well...turns out, it was/is a true oral motor issue and he sees an oral motor therapist. If you want more info, let me know...I think people are kind of bored hearing about my son's feeding stuff, lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1883018 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 14:24:21 +0000 artsyfartsy 1883018@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's a good idea! It could just be a phase but I would definitely want to ask a professional too just to see. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1882899 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:20:56 +0000 Aimed 1882899@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: I am in the middle of this right now with our 20 month old. Like your LO, he has about 3 things he will eat, drinks loads of milk and that's it - to the point where he will go all day at daycare without eating a thing. We are just getting started but I am hoping for some changes!<br /> FWIW, I don't think you are being alarmist - eating is a big deal and there is no harm in getting him checked out. I too wondered if I was overthinking it - everyone told me - "he'll eat when he's hungry" "all kids are picky" etc. - but no, he doesn't eat even when he is hungry and this is beyond picky so I say trust your gut on this, you know him better than anyone and you know if something is awry! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1882884 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:14:07 +0000 hilsy85 1882884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also think that there's no harm in getting him evaluated, and if nothing else, you should get some good ideas for helping him be less picky. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1882881 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:13:17 +0000 petunia354 1882881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think you are being an alarmist, it never hurts to try and get the best for your child, right? My nephew was similar and my sister had him evaluated for her towns birth-3 program and he was accepted for several different issues, one of them being feeding. He has sensory issues where he doesn't like touching certain things and it has been a long road to getting him to even lick food or kiss it, let alone actually try it!! He has made progress and has moved on from just eating yogurt &amp; cheese and drinking milk to now eating a slightly more varied diet, but he still has a long road ahead.</p> <p>Long story short, if you feel like he needs extra help, don't hesitate! I feel like the sooner you get him some help, the better the results will be. Have you spoken to your pediatrician about it? That would be my first suggestion. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1882879 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:13:11 +0000 cmomma17 1882879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sure it wouldn't hurt! Sounds like a good way to get some help establishing a healthy relationship with food, which I would argue is SUPER important! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeding-specialist-for-extremely-picky-eater#post-1882870 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:06:47 +0000 ValentineMommy 1882870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS is just about 20m old now and is the pickiest eater.</p> <p>He is good with breakfast foods and fruits, and that's about it. It's not a physical problem (has no problem eating different textures), but seems to be a behavioral one.</p> <p>He won't even try most foods....I'm lucky if I can get him to touch food, let alone eat it. He won't even try pasta. Who doesn't like pasta?!?</p> <p>Anyway, it's getting to the point where I'm so frustrated that I'm thinking of taking him to a pediatric feeding specialist. I'm positive DH is going to think this is a really extreme idea....but I just don't know what else to do! I was looking over the forms they want you to fill out, and it lists a bunch of DS's issues (refusal to eat, extreme pickiness, wants a liquid diet aka more milk), so I'm thinking it can't hurt to see what they say, right?</p> <p>Someone tell me I'm not being alarmist. I just want to help DS have good eating habits. </p>